By Ketzia Jimenez
Since 1997, Hong Kong has been asked several times by Beijing, China’s capital, to pass a law regarding national security. Hong Kong has made several attempts to make one with public disapproval. In May 2020, Beijing took matters in their hand and passed one of their own due to constitutional approval. The new law focuses on Beijing having control over law enforcement and overseeing Hong Kong’s national security committee. Also, the law allows Beijing to have control over national security cases and make cases private if there is private information about the state.
Over the years, Hong Kong has also made actions towards becoming an independent state in criticism of China’s interference and actions. This is important to consider as Hong Kong’s national security law makes it illegal to criticize the Chinese and regional governments. Fearing being arrested for their views: citizens became vocally against the government on social media. Citizens being vocally on social media were able to hide their identities and create movements opposing the new national security law. Aside, many began protesting the new law in public spaces to get the attention of the government.
A demographic heavily opposed to the new law are secondary students. The week of July 26 - August 1, four students were arrested on the accusations of criticizing the Chinese government and advocating for an independent Hong Kong. The arrests came after Facebook and other social media posts were discovered by Hong Kong police. Tony Chung was one of four students arrested who was a former leader of a pro-independence Hong Kong.
Secondary students are not only being arrested but are afraid of how Hong Kong’s law will affect their education. Many see the new law as a restriction on their free speech and how the curriculum of their classes will change. One way is the necessary connections between universities in Hong Kong with other universities in the world that have research partnerships. Another is the way students and professors communicate with each other with a restriction on what topics they can speak on. Due to these factors, many students and professors are seeking their educational and career opportunities somewhere else to feel safer.
To help students in Hong Kong, please consider reading the following articles to further educate yourself:
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